At a Glance
A screened high school with competitive STEM and humanities programs in a stable, homeowner-heavy Queens neighborhood
Families seeking a screened high school with competitive STEM or humanities programs who don't mind driving. Best for students who thrive in large schools with extensive extracurricular options and who have the academic profile to compete for one of the 228 total seats across the three institutes. Families who prioritize strong parent-administration relationships and a school with zero suspensions will find a good fit.
- Three screened institutes with competitive admissions (16-33% offer rates)
- Zero suspensions — notably better than the district average of 0.1%
- Extensive extracurricular program with 30+ clubs including mock trial, MUN, robotics, and arts
- Very high parent-principal trust (97%) and parent-teacher trust (93%)
- AP course access and dedicated STEM research opportunities
- American Sign Language offered as a world language — uncommon in NYC high schools
- Teacher-principal trust is notably low at 61% — a disconnect worth investigating if your child values teacher input and morale
- Screened admissions mean competitive entry — not a zoned school
- Low transit accessibility means car-dependent commutes for most families
- Parent satisfaction (88%) runs slightly below the district average (92%)
- PTA fundraising is minimal at $150 total — limited parent organization funding
Based on 2024-25 data
School SummaryDistrict 26
Martin Van Buron competes with high-performing elementary schools in District 26 (Douglaston, Oakland Gardens, Crocheron), but as a high school it operates in a different category. The district's top elementary schools score 90-94, but Martin Van Buren's screened programs and zero-suspension record position it as a strong option for families seeking specialized academic pathways in Queens.
The school reports strong outcomes across its specialized programs, with AP courses, robotics, and research opportunities defining the academic experience. However, state test proficiency data is not included in this dataset, making a direct comparison to the district's 76% ELA and 80% math averages impossible. The STEM institutes show competitive admissions — Science Research admits just 1 in 6 applicants — suggesting rigorous academic expectations for entering freshmen.
The survey data reveals a notable split: families feel deeply connected and trusting of leadership (parent-principal trust at 97%, parent-teacher trust at 93%), while teachers report notably lower trust in the principal at 61%. This disconnect is worth understanding — it may reflect different communication channels or priorities between staff and families. Instruction quality scores are solid at 89%, matching the district average. The school has zero suspensions, which is better than the district average of 0.1%, suggesting either strong behavioral culture or different disciplinary approaches.
The student body is diverse with a diversity index of 75% — roughly half Black (39%) and Asian (31%), with significant Hispanic representation (19%) and small White (4%) and Native American (5%) populations. This differs from the neighborhood's demographics, where the population is predominantly homeowners with a higher median income ($103,818) and lower poverty rate (8.3%). The school pulls from a wider geographic area due to its screened admissions, creating a more diverse student body than the immediate neighborhood.
Bellerose is a stable, family-oriented Queens neighborhood with a homeownership rate of nearly 70% and a median home value of $637,000. The area scores very high on stability (97th percentile) and education orientation (81st percentile), but low on transit access (21st percentile), meaning most families will drive or have a car. Safety scores are solid at 75, though environmental health indicators show some concerns with asthma rates and lead exposure that are worth knowing about.
Low walkability — the neighborhood has minimal transit options and most families drive. Students traveling from other parts of the district will likely need bus service or car rides.
Survey Results
NYC School Survey (2025) · 126 families responded (12% rate)
Programs & Activities
Admissions Demand
Students interested in Medical careers can choose from classes in STEM Research, Anatomy, AP Biology, AP Calculus, Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, Forensics, Physics, AP Physics, AP Psychology, and CUNY College Now Biology, STEM Research, Algebra and Health. Partnerships include: NASA research, Wrigley Marine Science Center at USC, Cohen Hospital LIJ, DNA Learning Center, QCC Courses, Cornell Weil Medical School, and NY High School Pathways.
Students interested in Engineering, Robotics, or Computer fields take STEM classes in Engineering I and II and Robotics III and IV, along with options for Calculus, Chemistry, Computer Application, Computer Languages, Computer Science, Earth Science, Physics, AP Physics, and AP Calculus. Partnerships include: NYU-Polytechnic Institute and the First Robotics Competition; and UC-Berkeley Computer Science.
Students offered three-year tracks in Law, Art, or Music. Law classes in Criminal & Civil Justice, Constitutional Law, Mock Trial, Moot Court, Syracuse University Public Affairs & Personal Finance, AP Global, AP US History, and Model United Nations. Art sequences in Fashion, Cartooning, Graphic Design, and Commercial Art. Music ensembles include Piano, Orchestra, and Chorus. Partnerships include: Columbia University Law; CUNY John Jay; Cooper Union; Orpheus Chamber Orchestra; and NYU Law.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
NYC DOE InfoHub · 2022-23
PTA Fundraising
Source: DOE Local Law 171 disclosure
Economic Need & Special Populations
Discipline
NYSED Student & Educator Database
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Martin Van Buren High School a good school?
- Published quality ratings aren't available for Martin Van Buren High School yet on Motley. It's a public school serving grades 9 to 12 in Bellerose.
- What grades does Martin Van Buren High School serve?
- Martin Van Buren High School serves grades 9 to 12.
- How do students get into Martin Van Buren High School?
- Martin Van Buren High School is a screened school — it admits by application, weighing grades, attendance, and sometimes a test or interview.
- Is Martin Van Buren High School public, charter, or private?
- Martin Van Buren High School is a public school in NYC Community School District 26.
- What neighborhood is Martin Van Buren High School in?
- Martin Van Buren High School is in Bellerose, Queens.
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